THE 150th British casualty in Iraq was yesterday named as Corporal Rodney Wilson - a hero who died dragging one of his lads to safety in the middle of a gun battle.

Cpl Wilson, 30, and his men were ambushed as they raided an rebel house near Basra to seize a large cache of weapons.

The soldiers from the 4th Battalion, The Rifles, began to take casualties. And when one wounded man went down Cpl Wilson ran to his rescue and was hit himself.

Commanding officer Lt Col Patrick Sanders yesterday said Cpl Wilson's dedication and professionalism was summed up by his final act of audacious heroism.

He said: "It is simply typical of Cpl Wilson that he was killed in action while evacuating a casualty under heavy fire.

"It was a supremely selfless and brave act. He would not have thought twice and he gave his life that one of his beloved Riflemen might live.

"He was, in the words of his comrades, a legend - exceptionally fit, very tough, courageous, bold and decisive. He was a father figure for so many young soldiers. Where he led, others followed."

Company commander Maj Mark Wilson said Cpl Wilson - known to colleagues as Will - had set off on the mission that would claim his life with his usual cheerful and upbeat attitude.

He said: "If Will had one stock phrase it was his description of anything and everything as being 'rude'. As he set off, he turned - and with a look of sheer excitement and a cheeky smile, described the situation yet again as 'rude'. And with that, he led his soldiers away."

Maj Wilson added: "It came as no surprise he was shot as he was evacuating a casualty under intense enemy fire.

"He was selfless to the last and completely dedicated to his soldiers."

Cpl Wilson's friend, Sgt Paul Buckley, said: "Will was one of the most diligent and professional soldiers I have ever had the honour to serve and fight alongside. He was always up for a laugh and had a belter of a sense of humour."

The Riflemen arrested five suspected in-surgents during the raid in the Al Atiyah district north west of Basra and discovered 60 mortar bombs, a roadside bomb, and a mortar firing tube.

Cpl Wilson, who recently got engaged, was from a military family and was born in Rinteln, Germany. He was awarded a distinction in the Platoon Sergeant's battle course - putting him in the top two per cent of infantry soldiers.

The milestone of 150 British deaths was reached as experts warned soldiers are facing a war on two fronts - targeted by insurgents and caught in the crossfire between rival Shia militias.